Sharks continue to struggle, draw 1-1 with Giwa

Sharks were unable to halt their sluggish start to the Glo Premier League season after managing a 1-1 draw with Giwa FC at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt.

With just one win all season, Gbenga Ogunbote’s men were under pressure to add three more points to their bag but it was always going to be difficult against the opponents on the day, Giwa FC, unbeaten in seven League matches.

The home team started better and had a chance in the second minute, Yusuf Jayeola’s over-the-top ball perfectly meeting the run of Jackson Daniel. The striker tried to lob the onrushing keeper but his touch was weak and unable to go beyond the reach of Achimugwu Friday.

After a period of sustained pressure, that saw Obomate and Daniel come close, they eventually took the lead from the first corner kick of the game. Obomate’s free kick met the head of Jayeola who directed the ball into the top right corner to give the hosts their first goal in three matches.

A minute later, Obomate could have doubled the lead but Achimugwu tipped his strike from 25 yards over the crossbar. What followed was a series of chances all of which Sharks failed to convert. Jackson Daniel ghosted past his marker and forced the keeper to a good save. Omoniwari had his chance from just outside the box but yet again Achimugwu showed safe hands.

The visitors were barely offering any threat of their own as they barely left their half with Sharks maintaining their attacking tempo. Obomate was next with his shot that looked headed in save for Achimugwu’s big palms. They would be made to pay for those misses as Giwa went ahead with their first attack of the game. Moses Awala on his return to the team, handled Henlong’s cross in the area and the referee awarded the spot kick. Henlong neatly converted.

Sharks came out stronger in the second half but a resolute Giwa backline kept their keeper untroubled and limiting Sharks to strikes from outside the box. Jackson Daniel, Fortune Omoniwari and Yomi Olaoke all had long range strikes all of which flew harmlessly over the bar.